By Mark Ogagan
South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training says the damage to buildings at the University of Fort Hare in Eastern Cape is estimated to be around R500 million (about $30 million).
The institution was temporarily shut down last Thursday, following violent students’ protests which resulted in the torching of six buildings.
Students’ demanded among other things, the immediate resignation of Vice Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, but the university says he will not resign.
Minister Buti Manamela says, “The intimidation of staff, of students, and the disruption of teaching and learning, if it cannot end, will never be justified. What has happened at Fort Hare is not a protest; it is criminal.
“It destroys opportunity, it erodes confidence, but it also undermines the dreams of thousands of young people who look to education as their only chance for a better life.”
Meanwhile, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has ordered the immediate halt to the eviction of students from its accredited accommodation at the University of Fort Hare. This, after several accommodation providers issued eviction notices following the university’s temporary closure.
NSFAS acting chief executive officer Waseem Carrim says students have the right to remain in their residences.
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